Wines Alentejo Monte dos Perdigões - 2017

Viniou Reviews

Monte dos Perdigões 2017 is a red wine from the Alentejo region of Portugal, hailing from the Alentejo Vinho de Mesa appellation. This wine, being a table wine, likely focuses on approachability and expressive fruit rather than extensive ageing. While the exact blend can vary, Alentejo reds often combine indigenous Portuguese varieties such as Aragonez (also known as Tempranillo), Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet, and sometimes Castelão. The 2017 vintage experienced a warm and stable growing season, supporting concentrated flavours within the grapes. Vinification in this category usually involves stainless steel or concrete vats to preserve freshness, with the possibility of a short maturation in oak to introduce a moderate complexity, soft tannins, and a supple mouthfeel.

Alentejo itself is a fascinating and increasingly acclaimed wine region located in southern Portugal. The climate here is typically Mediterranean, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild winters. The soils of Alentejo are a patchwork of schist, granite, and chalk, providing a nuanced mineral backbone to the fruit-driven wines. The region has a longstanding tradition of winemaking, but it is only in the last few decades that Alentejo has truly come into its own on the international stage, thanks to modernised viticulture and a focus on both native and international grape varieties.

For food pairings, Monte dos Perdigões 2017’s ripe fruit profile and moderate tannic structure make it a versatile companion at the table. It beautifully complements grilled or roasted meats, such as lamb chops, pork tenderloin, and beef skewers. Traditional Portuguese dishes like migas (a breadcrumb-based dish often served with pork), black pork (porco preto) sausages, or even a rustic Alentejana stew would highlight the wine’s character. Mediterranean fare, stews with earthy spices, or mature cow’s milk cheeses are also excellent matches.

When it comes to serving, pour this red at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for around 30 minutes will allow the wine to open up and reveal its depth. Enjoy now for its vibrant fruit or consider cellaring for a few more years to integrate the flavours further.